Hogwarts Express

The flying car scene from Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, where Harry and Ron soar over the train, was filmed at the Glenfinnan Viaduct in the Scottish Highlands. This location is west of Fort William and is renowned for its scenic beauty, with the viaduct carrying the railway across the Glenfinnan valley and offering views of Loch Shiel in the background.

Location & How to Visit

Glenfinnan Viaduct is the exact filming spot for the flying car sequence.

The closest towns for accommodation and travel are Fort William and Mallaig.

The site is accessible by car and by train, with parking available near the Glenfinnan visitor center.

How to See the Train and Viaduct

The famous train is recreated by the Jacobite Steam Train, which operates seasonally between Fort William and Mallaig, crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct.

For the best views of the train crossing (replicating the film shot), walk the short, well-signposted trail from the visitor center to the viaduct’s viewpoint. Arrive before the scheduled crossing times.

Jacobite Train Times (Seasonal Example)

Morning Service: Departure from Fort William and arrival at Glenfinnan.

Afternoon Service: Departure from Fort William and arrival at Glenfinnan.

Return services also operate in the afternoon.

Confirm times in advance, as schedule varies by season and special events. Tickets often sell out, so book early or try for last-minute tickets at Fort William station.

Additional Tips

You do not need to ride the train to see it, many people watch from the viaduct’s viewpoint.

For Harry Potter fans, the actual flying Ford Anglia is on display at the Bo’ness Motor Museum, which is about a short drive from Edinburgh. The train used for filming, when not on the Jacobite route, is permanently displayed at Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London.

The train platform scenes were filmed at Kings Cross/St Pancras in London, but those are separate from the viaduct sequence.

Key Highlights

Location: Glenfinnan Viaduct, near Fort William, Scotland.

How to See: Jacobite Steam Train (Fort William–Mallaig route).

Best Viewing: Walk to the Glenfinnan Viaduct viewpoint at scheduled train crossing times.

Please check for the most current train schedule and ticket availability for your visit dates, as these can change yearly due to demand and maintenance.

‍